x635

If anybody could help me out with getting hooked up with someone for posed shots (with the proper approval) of the following apparatus, it would be appreciated. I know some of you on this forum have offered in the past but I am completly disorganized. I'm looking to shoot: -Montvale NJ's Crown Engine -Norwalk, CT Truck 2 -Rye's New Engine -Sleepy Hollow's New Engine -North White Plains new-to-them Engine -Valhalla Utility 9 -Spring Valley's Metz Aerial -New City's new Tower Ladder -Bethel, CT's Sutphen Tower Ladder & Mack Tanker And anything else new or interesting that I should shoot. Please email me at x635@EMTBravo.com if you can hook me up with someone to get these shots. Late morning (around 11AM) is preffered). Sun is nice, but not absolutely required- cannot shoot in rain though. Looking to shoot whenever possible.

Thanks for the info guys. Although after sitting at the highway garage for a couple of years, and given it's age, I'm sure the former T-5 needs some TLC. BUT, BHFD keeps their apparatus in such excellent condition, and this tanker is so compact really making it a very versatile unit, it would be a great unit for a department in need of a tanker that can't afford a new one, or even a department looking for a "tactical tanker" that can get right close to the scene.

The thruway wreckers have a purposse for the red lights and sirens. They are first line emergency response for the Tappan Zee Bridge. Any disabled vehicle or minor accident has great potential to become an even bigger incident on the bridge if not removed or blocked ASAP. Since the bridge has no shoulder, red lights and sirens are neccesary for the wreckers for thatr reason as well. These wrecker operators on the bridge also have an extremly dangerous job. As a side note, at one time the Thruway Authority even operated a Engine company for the bridge...photos anyone? You also see red lights and sirens on PAPD Bridge and Tunnel units for the same reason.

Every time I hear "Career Vs. Volunteer", it makes me want to cringe. Anyone who says "Career Vs. Volunteer" and then goes on to say how we should all just simply get along is contradiciting themselves when they use the word "vs". What is this, a war? It's my perception that a lot of volunteer firefighters think "paid guys" are evil or "forgot where they came from". I also see a lot of that sediment on this board. On the flip side, there are paid guys that have their ignorant notions as well. It irks me even more when I see the kids in their late teens/early 20's retaining the same sendiment that has been around forever. Many of these youngsters are shooting themselves in the foot...the more jobs there are, the better their chances. There's been lot's of tension between the two sides forever. Although I've only been a career firefighter for just over a year, I have over 10 years experience working with volunteer and career agenices in a variety of roles. We both have problems and flaws, and this is just my opinion. Hopefully I can give some of my personal insight into the issue. Career Firefighting is a job. Yes, it's more then a job, but it is just a blue collar civil service job when it comes down to it. But it's tricky- what other profession do you see someone getting paid for a job AND doing it for free? It truly is a calling and a love...for most career guys. Volunteers I admire because they spend countless hours of their personal time training, maintaining equipment, and drop whatever they are doing to respond to calls. I can't imagine doing all this for free, and I give them a lot of credit. They do this in addition to a full time job. I understand the love and respect volunteers have for their departments, and I could understand many of them would be lost without it (When I was a volunteer, I felt the same way) Many of us came from volunteer roots. However, there are two sides to the issue. Whereas if you are a Paramedic, volunteer or career, you have to meet the same standards to keep your credentials. There are two seperate sets of standards for volunteers and career firefighters- if a firefighter is the same volunteer or career- why can't we all meet the same set of standards? Career firefighters have to go through a rigourous, long, and involved process to earn their roles, and risk getting fired if they screw up. Leadership is the same way....a career officer is determined and governed by a totally different set of standards then a volunteer officer. I think that is one of the big issues. What is the reason why we can't all be on the same level? Some of the issues I hear is that because if volunteers were to be held to the same level as career, that you would lose a lot of volunteers. That doesn't make any sense...being a firefighter is a profession, and anyone who wants to be one should be held to the SAME standard regardless, since it's the same job regardless if you get a paycheck or not....especially if you want to make claims that we are all the same. NO EXCUSE in my mind that the two levels should be any different. Sure, we can both fight fires, and both have gotten training......but here's an example. Why does a career firefighter have to pass CPAT, and a volunteer doesn't? Why does a career firefighter have to retire at 62, but a volunteer doesn't? And when I refer to the word "Profession", it means your paying occupation. Yes, you can act professional, but a professional is someone who does something for a living, generally. We're not just "paid guys", we are career firefighters......this is what we do for a living. Say you worked for DPW, and got paid to plow snow and its something you do every day and work hard at it, and then a bunch of guys from the community come down and do your job for free, and they aren't held to the same standard as you are. Yet they call themselves "Professionals" too. This is how I earn my living and put a roof over my head. Another issue I see is that career firefighters don't want to take volunteers away, or don't want more jobs to "boost their local", they just don't want to see moves like hiring paid janitors to staff volunteer departments, circumventing hiring processes and essentially robbing the people who take these jobs of benefits and protection that should be theres. These people who take these jobs are being taken for a ride. These moves are often made by volunteer departments who are afraid that going career would "take them over"....but what is not understood is that if they are looking out for the best for the community, what is the problem? If you hire a proper career firefighter staff weekdays between 7AM-7PM to have proper daytime manpower, then what are you...excuse me....then what is the community losing by that? Aren't you embarrased that your department has to retone for manpower for a routine alarm? Doesn't that scream something wrong to you? And if you could give the qualified younger members of your department good paying, secure jobs in their hometown, why rob them of that oppurtunity? Do they want the job, or do they want the hangout? Also, taxpayer funded incentives to recruit and retain volunteers need to be studided hard and looked at to see if they are the proper long term solutions. Our tax money shouldn't be used to put temporary fixes on things and ignore the long term solution. We need to study where the fire service is going in this county....the young guys who live with their parents now and are active in their departments...how long are they good for? Is having 22 year old officers with no experience good? Same goes for the older guys. It's not my feeling that "Oh, they're doing my job for free". That is not the point. Both sides struggle with staffing. Career with proper manning levels, and volunteers usually with daytime coverage. I also notice an increasing amount of youth staffing volunteer departments, and a lot of older members, with not a whole lot inbetween. On the volunteer side as well, there's often an inconsistent response....you never know what you are getting exactly training and ability wise. Career Firefighters, many of us, want to maintain our job as professional, and look good to the community. I've heard of booze fueled incidents in different area volunteer FD's over the past couple of months that have been totally brushed aside, and other wild behavior where the firehouse is used as a social club. That's another thing- if you want to be a firefighter, fine. But a firehouse is not a place to consume alcohol. This is something that has the potential to make us all look bad. The whole volunteer and social club in one thing needs to end...that is not professional and invites problems. The union part is something many people think is the root of the evil. But the union's doing what the union is supposed to do....looking out for it's members best interests, and fighting for that. If you look at it, unions really fight for things that are needed by their departments, memebrs, and communities. There is much tension to this issue, but why I do not understand. There's politics and conterversy everywhere in every business, but anyone who participates in anti-career or anti-volunteer behavior is frankly an idiot. Those who truly want the best for their community take the right actions. People who want to hold grudges or hate one side or the other are often ignorant or have inflated egos., and really don't have any interest besides a conflict. And to those who like to get defensive, and use the tired lines such as "they forgot where they came from". That's complete BS. I came from volunteer ranks, and ALWAYS wanted to be a career firefighter. I always wanted the best for my department and community. I forgot nothing....becoming a career firefighter was always my aspiration. Stop using that played out cliche' I agree that not every department is going to be career, nor is it right for every community, and I don't think that anyone thinks that Westchester should or could be 100% career, but every department and every firefighter should be held to the SAME standard and same response times if you want to be called a firefighter. Combinations departments do work...it's tricky, but it can be done. It's my feeling that initiatives by the county would help tremendously, but thats another subject for another day. So, in closing....career firefighters aren't evil. They go to work, do their job, and just like volunteers, want the best for themselves and their communities. Many of us...volunteer and career want to be more progressive, whilst it seems many want to just maintain status quo, or put on bandaids on things- and there are only a select few holding us back from where we need to be. We have a whole lot of problems in this county, and this is one of many...yet it seems things never change. I hope we can have a constructive conversation about this. This is not a rant, rather I just want to open up about these issues that are discussed by many in different circles, and see what your view on these issues are...and where you see the future going....and most importantly....can both sides ever find a way to work together to better the fire service, and drop the anymosity?

Awesome! I didn't realize there were two of them. Interesting choice of chasis as well.

Thanks for the info. I never noticed these on BDPW's trucks. Here's a photo of it I got today. [attachmentid=1766]

That is AWESOME!

I also shot Hillcrest's 6-1750 199? Pierce Lance [attachmentid=1764]

On the update, I am done with Honda. Too pricey. I'm now looking at the Dodge Nitro, Ford Explorer, or Chevrolet Trailblazer. Much better rebates and incentives, especially with the Dodger And I'm a current Dodge/Chrysler customer anyways, and have been for the past 5 years.

Here is the outgoing Engine 41. It's now officially out of service, maybe Nutty1 could update us as to where it is going... [attachmentid=1621]

(This post is in reference to my blog entryabout White Plains Honda) So, today I researched my credit score a variety of different ways. It wasn't nearly as low as White Plains Honda told me it was. They told me due to my credit score, I had to pay more if I wanted the car. The number they told me my credit score was was a lie. I am continuing to pursue this, and thanks to EVERYONE for all their support, emails, and contacts. If anyone has a hook with a GOOD Honda dealer, please email it to me ASAP at x635@EMTBravo.com. I am trying to purchase my fiance a nice SUV for a Christmas present.

These two MassPike (I-90) trucks are impressive! Does anyone know more about these truck (Oshkosh, I think). Does any DPW in this area have classic snow war monsters like these? [attachmentid=1758]

One of the function that I believe that Westchester County DES is there for is support services for all the FD's and EMS agencies in Westchester. I have many ideas that this agency could accomplish to better the fire and EMS service in this county, and here's another one. The County has aqquired numerous of the ex-Bee Line Mini-Shuttles, and distributed them to various FD's in the county. My idea is this. The county should aqquire, when available, one of the full size buses, and convert it into a dedicated rehab unit. Have powerful A/C and heat, have onboard water, gatorade, and snacks, cofeemaker, bathroom, and facilities for EMS medical monitoring and first aid. This could be available countywide to any department that reqests it For larger incidents, especially in extreme weather, I feel this would be a great and versatile tool. With the talent in this county, I'm sure theres many people that would be willing to donate their skill and time to convert this bus. The only question is, who would drive and operate it? Maybe this would be a good role for the citizen volunteer corps? P.S. These former buses would make excellent command posts.

I'm talking fire service REHAB......not a "snack wagon". It's my feeling that this is often an overlooked and neglected part of the response. Again, there is a difference between a canteen unit and REHAB! For those who don't know what rehab is, or how important it can be, do yourself a favor and read some back issues of JEMS, Fire Engineering, etc about Rehab. Also, this would not be a MERV, as stated above, but since it is for REHAB, which EMS plays an intergral and required role in, there would be facilities and equipment for them to operate.

I'm just curious if you could elaborate on this statement? Would you rather pretend nothing is wrong, and just go about everyday life, or have an open,constructive dialogue to resolve these issues, that....like or not and maybe not in your community but definetly others....exist? I agree that some about of tension will always be present, and there will always be conterversy and politics. However, I hate how quickly people get offended and defensive whenever discussing anything sensitive. Maybe if people could learn to talk......and LISTEN to each other more...things would be better. As I've said, it's one thing to preach and believe, and another thing to act and spark change. I feel this board is a great educational tool, to hear views from ALL sides. Many people only have the oppurtunity to hear a couple of possbly biased opinions, and this forum lets all the information be presented, discussed, and for people to make their own decisions....and learn and grow. To those citing costs, that's just an easy way out. Are we supposed to provide substandard service because of cost? Or could we work TOGETHER to eliminate such things as duplication of services, merging resources, and other items to reduce costs to lessen the tax burden? Now, some towns will never be able to fund a completly volunteer department, and that's not my point at all....my point is that we should all be held to the same standards regardless, and stop making excuses as to why we can't, and start figuring out HOW WE CAN! By the way, what happened to BROTHERHOOD meaning looking out for each other as well????????????????????

Happy Birthday to longtime EMTBravo member and supporter TR54!

As I travel around to different firehouses and see different things, I always seem to find neat and progressive ideas whereever I go. Today, I got to visit New Hackensack's AWESOME new firehouse, and check out their equally awesome fleet. One of the coolest features about their new firehouse is the LED back in line. The line you use to back up lights up. I think this is an awesome idea. Sometimes, when you back in, you can't see the line for whatever reason, and this line really stands out and makes it clear where you need to be aligned. [attachmentid=1733]

Does anyone else know if this technology is employed elsewhere in this region? I am really impressed by it. A great idea to improve something that's very valuable to the apparatus operator.

Animal Oxygen Masks Video by Elizabeth Orozco, LoHud.com Hartsdale Fire Department gets a big donation of oxygen masks for dogs and cats that can be used during a fire. http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...IDEO01/61213012

People who want to preach "brotherhood" and "pride", that's fine. The pride is there, the brotherhood is there, nobody is really arguing that nor am I, regardless, but the fact is there are issues that need to be nipped in the butt before they become worse then they already are. We can't pretend everythings fine and dandy, and just react to problems as they come up. We need to have foresight, we need to start getting our newest generation of firefighters on board- the culture needs to change. This is about public safety. Next time your hear a department retone for manpower, or put out second tones for an ambulance crew...think to yourself what it must be like for that person waiting for that ambulance or fire engine to arrive. "Brotherhood" and "Pride" mean NOTHING if we don't do our jobs efficiently, effectively, and safely....and most importantly- if we don't work together...we all are going to lose in the long run. If we continue to ignore these problems, we are going to get nowehere. I'm sick of the tension on both sides, and the significant differences between both sides. Both sides have issues that need addressing. We ALL need to start banding together and fighting the politics, traditions, and bueracy that plagues the fire service. Volunteers exists, and will so for a long time, so career firefighters need to find a way deal with that. As far as volunteers, they need to reconize and adress when their current manpower system is failing. Both sides need to find a way to work with each other to be on the same page.

Recently, we've all heard about the case where a NJ Fire chief was locked up because he refused to move his rigs, because he wanted to protect his men. On the troopers side, he wanted to, and is required to, keep traffic flowing to the best of his abilty, among several other duties. He has a job to do as well, and consequences to face if he doesn't do it. Now, maybe personalities clashed at this scene here, but I'm not looking to discuss this isolated incident. I've heard of this happening before, in various locales, and I'm wondering what can be done to better improve the working relationship between PD and FD on our dangerous highways. We have the duty, as FF's, to manage the scene, minimize the hazards, and treat the patients. The troopers often have the same goal in mind, but they recieve pressure from up above to keep the traffic flowing, have a lot of paperwork to do, and also need to clear the scene as quickly as possible because they cover a large are. Often, these are directives issued by superior officers. Many times, the troopers just want an ambulance, but don't understand how we do things. Sometimes, I can even see where a trooper is coming from. Once, while dispatching, there was a VERY minor MVA on the Saw Mill, with a car into the guardrail. The PD requested an ambulance, and as per FD policy, the FD responded as well. Understandable. But now, you have the ambulance, the paramedic flycar, three fire chiefs, a rescue truck, an engine, a support vehicle, and VAC members personal vehicles, along with the HELP truck and Tow truck ALL on scene of this minor, one patient MVA on a very narrow roadway during rush hour. Then, to top it all off, one of the responding VAC members responded in their personal vehicle, and LEFT IT ON THE LEFT LANE while the VAC transported. If I was a trooper, I'd be pretty pissed off too. So, what can be done to immprove our working relationships? Could training and both sides working together so we understand each others roles help to minimize tensions on the scene and keep us all safe, and more importantly, keep us all happy and working together?

Guys, I just got my very first pair of leather firefighting boots, the Warrington Pros, after hearing about how comfortable they are and make driving and climbing easier. However, my new boots are very stiff right now. What's a quick (and prefferably easy) way to break in a new pair of leather boots?

It's not a report, it's my opinion. My view on things from what I have seen. Instead of that comment, why not contribute to this discussion if you think it is slanted? BTW, I'm aware not every volunteer wants to be career.

Yesterday, I saw something that got me thinking. I've seen this overhead track type of exhaust removal system before, and always thought it would be a pain in the butt to back in with it. I've always though Plymovents were awesome. But this got me to thinking. Not only does this remove exhaust while in the firehouse, it removes it at the scene as well. The sidestack pipes vent overhead, whereas rigs with Plymovent and other type systems vent to the ground...and the scene area. [attachmentid=1749] Plus, sidestack pipes look cool on any apparatus. Gotta have the superficial part too, lol.

Read my comment. I'm not saying EVERY community needs a career department, but there are some that do. There are many other areas other areas of the country that aren't nearly as wealthy as Westchester, have lower taxes, and career FDs. Yes, rural areas can't justify career, but if you're a former rural area that is now protecting multi-million dollar homes and businesses like many in Westchester and the area, are you still the same community you were back in 1950 when you were a thriving volunteer company? I completly disagree. We're going to risk OUR lives and peoples lives and property because property taxes are too high, yet continue to funnel crazy amounts of money into our parks, and other pork-barrel projects. We can justify paying for sanitaition workers, paying for police officers, paying for duplicate resources in our communites, such as multiple TL's and Engines in a small radius. I think if we all worked together, and politiicans got their priorities straight, we could find a number of ways to cut down on a lot of costs which would drop taxes tremendously. Why are some people so cheap when it comes down to what could be theirs or their neighbors lives? People who feed the propaganda to their communties that going career would kill their taxes are doing a great disservice to themselves and their communities.